FCPUTIL

  • Introduction

    This document will describe what FCPUTIL is, and how to install and configure it.

    You can download the full documentation and resources used in this document from here > FCPUTIL Resources

Setting up FCPUTIL

  • Create an FCPUTIL User Account

    FCPUTIL requires the creation of an account on your server that can log in with a saved password and has both the "Monitor server" and "Maintain server" privileges

  • Create a Settings File

    FCPUTIL, like a gateway, must have a settings file configured and saved at the same level as the application.
    This settings file must be configured to connect to the FirstClass server using the FCPUTIL account ID and password embedded in the settings file.

  • Installing and Testing FCPUTIL

    FCPUTIL is normally installed in the FCServer folder of your server and it can be run from there. However, it is not necessary to run it from there. For example, you may wish to execute FCPUTIL from the computer that is running your backup software.
    In any case, FCPUTIL uses FCP protocols and a regular FirstClass settings file to communicate with the server.

Using FCPUTIL to PAUSE the Mirror or Issue a SNAPSHOT HOLD

  • FCPUTIL Mirror PAUSE or Snapshot HOLD

    Depending on your backup technology, you either PAUSE your mirror and back up your mirror volume or you issue a SNAPSHOT HOLD command on your live server and use your netapp snapshot technology to take a snapshot of your FCNS volume.
    In both cases, either the mirror is PAUSED or the live server is on HOLD as you cannot reliably backup a server that is active.

  • Sample Script to Check and pause mirror prior to backup

    There are many different software packages that you can use to backup your FirstClass Server's paused mirror. Many of these packages can be scheduled and scripted. As there is no point in backing up an active mirror one that is synchronizing) or one that is broken, you should always check first using the MCHECK command before issuing the PAUSE command and then initiating your backup.
    The following is a batch script that is a sample of what can be done.

Using FCPUTIL to CONTINUE mirroring after the backup is complete

  • Continuing Mirror after Completion

    You cannot continue your mirror until after your backup has been completed. My software packages allow you to run a POST backup script. If this is the case, you can have your software package initiate the script once complete.
    If your software does not do that, you will have to know how long it takes to complete the backup and then schedule the script to be executed.

Other Users for FCPUTIL

  • Checking Server Health

    FCPUTIL can be used for a number of different tasks and you are encouraged to check your online documentation on your FirstClass Server in the Administration > Server Maintenance section. Here you will find all of the different commands that can be issued by FCPUTIL